Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery - 25/Mar/2010

Royal Assent was granted to the Tribunals Court and Enforcement Act 2007 on 19 July 2007. Read more …

Get your retaliation in first - 25/Mar/2010

When a Lease expired, it was normally the case that we would advise tenants to hold over rather than using the Section 26 procedure as set out under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 (the Act), but as we all know the world is very different to how it was. Read more …

How will the Recent Floods Affect Planning Policy? - 14/Jan/2008

The Government has issued its interim report on the serious floods in the summer of 2007.The report identifies a significant number of findings, many of which are likely to be acted on in the coming months. Read more …

Are Flood Defences Illegal? - 07/Jan/2008

The Environment Agency has published guidance on landowners' riparian rights and obligations. Read more …

Commercial Properties Face Compulsory Energy Performance Ratings in 2008 - 02/Jan/2008

From the 6th April this year, all newly built commercial properties in England and Wales over 10,000 sq m will have to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which will have to be produced when the building is constructed, let or sold. From the 1st July 2008, commercial buildings over 2,500 sq m will also be required to have an EPC. Read more …

Carbon Emissions and Planning Policy - 18/Dec/2007

On 17 December 2007, the Department for Communities and Local Government published a Planning Policy Statement (PPS) on Planning and Climate Change, as a supplement to PPS 1 on Sustainable Development.The new PPS sets out ways in which the planning regime can contribute to reducing carbon dioxide emissions and combating climate change. Read more …

Tax Relief on Development - 15/Dec/2007

On 14 December 2007, HM Treasury published its proposals for reform of tax incentives for the redevelopment of brownfield land. Read more …

Chancel Repairs - 01/Nov/2007

According to Medieval law, the Rector of a parish was responsible for repairing the church’s chancel (the eastern end of the church). The liability for this passes with the land, regardless of whether the owner is aware of any liability. Even if there are numerous properties responsible, each owner could be liable for the whole cost of repairs.

Although cases of this are rare, the costs may be substantial. In the recent case of Aston Cantlow v Wallbank (2007) the owners were made to pay £95,000 in repairs. This case was taken to the House of Lords where it was confirmed that the law, although unfair, would remain. Read more …

Restrictive Covenants - 01/Oct/2007

What they are and how they may affect you and your property. Read more …